Qantas Frequent Flyers are one step closer to the most significant changes to earning and retaining status since the program’s inception, first announced in February.
From 8 December, members will be able to earn status through everyday spending, including credit cards, and roll over up to 50 per cent of their excess Status Credits from one year to the next for the first time in the program’s history[1].
The program has also unveiled the launch of Jetstar Classic Upgrades and new benefits for eligible credit cardholders.
Qantas Loyalty and Customer CEO Andrew Glance said the status changes better reflect how members live and travel today.
“Qantas Frequent Flyer is stronger and more diversified than it’s ever been. Our nearly 19 million members now engage with us across almost every part of their daily lives, and two-thirds of all Qantas Points are now earned on the ground,” said Mr Glance.
“Our co-branded credit cards continue to be the fastest and most rewarding way for members to build their points balance. Now with Status Credits part of the equation, members will unlock even greater value from their daily spend.
“Earning Status Credits on the ground will give members more ways to climb our tiers, while driving even greater engagement for our 700 coalition partners across banking, retail, insurance, travel and more.
“We know how deeply members value their status and the travel benefits that come with our tiers. These changes represent the most significant status overhaul in our program’s history, ensuring it remains Australia’s most rewarding and relevant loyalty program long into the future.”
Mr Glance said a record number of flight rewards were booked with points in FY26, including 7 per cent more Business and First upgrades on Qantas International flights. New partner airlines will join the program in FY27, adding to Qantas, Jetstar and 30 other carriers available.
“Jetstar has never been more popular with members, particularly families looking to make their points go further. The launch of Jetstar Classic Upgrades will offer even more value and choice across their growing network,” Mr Glance added.
Status Changes Launching in December
Qantas becomes the first Australian airline to offer a Status Credit roll over benefit, allowing tiered members to carry up to 50 per cent of their excess Status Credits into their next membership year (capped at 100 for Silver, 350 for Gold, and 500 for Platinum and Platinum One).
Members will also be able to earn up to 140 Status Credits each membership year through ten categories on the ground. For example, members can unlock 20 Status Credits from Qantas Points-earning credit cards or 10 Status Credits through everyday shopping including Everyday Rewards at Woolworths. These Status Credits will also count towards Lifetime tier balances, helping members reach Lifetime status sooner.
Sub-programs Points Club and Green Tier will also be retired on the same date. Members can continue attaining Points Club until 8 December, enjoying those benefits for the remainder of their current and next membership year.
The remaining status updates will roll out in early 2027, including the removal of separate attain and retain requirements, new Silver tier benefits, and Lifetime milestones.
Jetstar Classic Upgrades Launching in September
Members will have more ways to book Business seats using their points, with Jetstar Classic Upgrades launching in early September. This coincides with Jetstar’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet refit, which more than doubles each Business Class cabin from 21 to 44 seats, opening up tens of thousands more Business Class seats on flights across Asia Pacific.
Similar to Classic Upgrades on Qantas flights, Jetstar Classic Upgrades will require a fixed number of points per route.
Examples at launch will include:
Melbourne to Singapore: 37,000 Qantas Points
Sydney to Osaka: 45,300 Qantas Points
Jetstar Classic Upgrades include 30kg checked baggage, in-flight meals, and priority boarding. Upgrade requests will be available on flights booked through jetstar.com at launch, with bookings on qantas.com to follow.
Strengthening Australia’s Largest Financial Services Coalition
Financial services remain a core pillar of the program, with members earning Qantas Points through a credit card, home loan, personal loan, term deposit, share trading or banking transaction every second.
Members will continue to have access to over 30 Qantas Points-earning credit cards and earn rates of up to 1 point per $1 spent, matching what is available in the market today.
Qantas Loyalty has agreed revised commercial terms and extended agreements with its largest banking and financial services partners, ensuring credit cards remain the most effective way for members to earn Qantas Points and unlock rewards. Qantas cards account for approximately 35 per cent of all credit card spend nationally.
Later this year, a select Qantas Points-earning credit card will offer members the opportunity to earn Status Credits on Classic Reward seat bookings for the first time. Qantas Frequent Flyer is the only airline program in Australia, and one of several globally, to offer this popular benefit on flight rewards. Full details will be announced in the coming months.
[1] Up to 50% of unused Status Credits depending on tier, capped at 100 Status Credits for Silver, 350 for Gold, and 500 for Platinum and Platinum One members.
